Topic Contents

Milestones for 8-Year-Olds

Topic Overview

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable
sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and
gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area,
such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor
development.

Milestones usually are grouped into five major areas:
physical growth, cognitive development, emotional and social development,
language development, and sensory and motor development.

Physical growth and development

Most children by age
8:

Grow about
2.5 in. (6 cm) and gain about
7 lb (3 kg) in a
year.

May have arms and legs that seem too long for their
bodies.

Lose about four baby teeth each year, which are replaced by
permanent teeth.

Thinking and reasoning (cognitive development)

Most
children by age 8:

Know how to count by 2s (2, 4, 6, 8, and so on)
and 5s (5, 10, 15, 20, and so on).

Know what day of the week it is.
They do not usually know the full date and year.

Have a black-and-white
perspective much of the time. Things are either great or awful, ugly or
beautiful, right or wrong. They focus on one trait or idea at a time, which
makes it hard for them to understand complex issues.

Emotional and social development

Most children by
age 8:

Enjoy being around their friends. The opinions
of their friends become increasingly important. And peer pressure may become an
issue.

Gain a sense of security from being involved in regular
group activities, such as 4-H or Scouts.

Are more likely to follow rules they help
create.

Have rapidly changing emotions. Angry outbursts are common.
Many children are critical of others, especially of their parents. They may
seem dramatic and sometimes rude.

Are impatient. They like
immediate gratification and find it hard to wait for things they
want.

Are interested in money. Some children may become obsessed
with saving and plans about earning and spending money.

Language development

Most children by age 8:

Have well-developed speech and use correct
grammar most of the time.

Become interested in reading books. For
some children, it is a favorite activity.

Are still working on spelling and grammar in their written work.
This aspect of language development is not as advanced as oral speech.

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